Partial or Complete Loss of Norepinephrine Differentially Alters Contextual Fear and Catecholamine Release Dynamics in Hippocampal CA1.

Background: Contextual fear learning is heavily dependent on the hippocampus. Despite evidence that catecholamines contribute to contextual encoding and memory retrieval, the precise temporal dynamics of their release in the hippocampus during behavior is unknown. In addition, new animal models are required to probe the effects of altered catecholamine synthesis on release dynamics and contextual learning. Methods: We generated 2 new mouse models of altered locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (NE) synthesis and utilized them together with GRABNE and GRABDA sensors and in vivo fiber photometry to investigate NE and dopamine (DA) release dynamics in the dorsal hippocampal CA1 during contextual fear conditioning. Results: Aversive foot shock increased both NE and DA release in the dorsal CA1, while freezing behavior associated with recall of fear memory was accompanied by decreased release. Moreover, we found that freezing at the recent time point was sensitive to both partial and complete loss of locus coeruleus-NE synthesis throughout prenatal and postnatal development, similar to previous observations of mice with global loss of NE synthesis beginning postnatally. In contrast, freezing at the remote time point was compromised only by complete loss of locus coeruleus-NE synthesis beginning prenatally. Conclusions: Overall, these findings provide novel insights into the role of NE in contextual fear and the precise temporal dynamics of both NE and DA during freezing behavior and highlight complex relationships between genotype, sex, and NE signaling.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Antibiotic Sales in Pharmacies in Medellín, Colombia 2023.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the sale of antibiotics in pharmacies in Medellín, Colombia. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 277 selected pharmacies using a stratified sampling method with proportional allocation to represent all areas of the city. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) were assessed using a scale, analyzed with absolute and relative frequencies for each item, and represented in a global score ranging from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better KAPs. Data were analyzed using relative frequencies with 95% confidence intervals, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and linear regression. RESULTS: Of the included pharmacies, 52.6% were chain pharmacies, 48.4% were attended by pharmacy assistants, and 59% of pharmacists had more than 5 years of experience. The median knowledge score was 70.8 (IQR 58.3-87.5), with 35.3% of pharmacists believing that antibiotics are effective in treating the common cold, 35.2% for treating COVID-19, and 29.4% considering them available for sale without a medical prescription. The attitude score was 53.3 (40.0-66.7), with 60.9% agreeing that prohibiting the sale of antibiotics without a prescription would decrease their sales. The practice score was 62.5 (40.0-79.2), with 65.4% of pharmacists stating that they sometimes sell antibiotics without a prescription due to patients struggling to obtain a medical consultation, 61.3% admitting to selling antibiotics without a prescription for urinary tract infections, and 41.3% for upper respiratory tract infections. Practices were predominantly influenced by pharmacy type (chain or independent) and, to a lesser extent, by knowledge and attitudes. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists in Medellín exhibit inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use and sale of antibiotics without a medical prescription. These findings align with international evidence highlighting the need for educational and regulatory strategies promoting rational antibiotic use in pharmacies.

Six Collective Challenges for Sustainability of Almería Greenhouse Horticulture.

Globally, current food consumption and trade are placing unprecedented demand on agricultural systems and increasing pressure on natural resources, requiring tradeoffs between food security and environmental impacts especially given the tension between market-driven agriculture and agro-ecological goals. In order to illustrate the wicked social, economic and environmental challenges and processes to find transformative solutions, we focus on the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world located in the semi-arid coastal plain of South-east Spain. Almería family farming, predominantly cooperative, greenhouse intensive production, commenced after the 1960s and has resulted in very significant social and economic benefits for the region, while also having important negative environmental and biodiversity impacts, as well as creating new social challenges. The system currently finds itself in a crisis of diminishing economic benefits and increasing environmental and social dilemmas. Here, we present the outcomes of multi-actor, transdisciplinary research to review and provide collective insights for solutions-oriented research on the sustainability of Almeria's agricultural sector. The multi-actor, transdisciplinary process implemented collectively, and supported by scientific literature, identified six fundamental challenges to transitioning to an agricultural model that aims to ameliorate risks and avoid a systemic collapse, whilst balancing a concern for profitability with sustainability: (1) Governance based on a culture of shared responsibility for sustainability, (2) Sustainable and efficient use of water, (3) Biodiversity conservation, (4) Implementing a circular economy plan, (5) Technology and knowledge transfer, and (6) Image and identity. We conclude that the multi-actor transdisciplinary approach successfully facilitated the creation of a culture of shared responsibility among public, private, academic, and civil society actors. Notwithstanding plural values, challenges and solutions identified by consensus point to a nascent acknowledgement of the strategic necessity to locate agricultural economic activity within social and environmental spheres.This paper demonstrates the need to establish transdisciplinary multi-actor work-schemes to continue collaboration and research for the transition to an agro-ecological model as a means to remain competitive and to create value.

Chemical and nano-mineralogical study for determining potential uses of legal Colombian gold mine sludge: Experimental evidence.

The present study is focused on the chemical and nano-mineralogical characterization of sludge from gold mine activities, in order to put forward diverse solution alternatives, where lack of knowledge has been found. The sample was collected from "La Estrella" mine of Suarez, located in Department of Cauca, south-west Colombia. The sludge micro-structure and chemical composition were analyzed using a high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) equipped with a dispersive X-ray detector (EDS). X-ray diffraction technique was employed to identify the mineralogical phases present in the sludge. Additional mineralogical characterization was done by using RAMAN spectroscopy. Main findings points to its potential to be used as a fertilizer, this is why, mine sludge contains macronutrients such as P, Ca and S, together with micronutrients like Cu. However, the presence of goethite could decrease the mobilization of nutrients to soils, thus additional alternatives, for instance, a mixture with humus or another material containing Humic Acids should be done, in order to minimizing its retention effect. Additionally, another possible uses to explore could be as construction and ceramic material or in the wastewater treatment for nutrient retention and organic material removal. Rutile (TiO2 nanoparticles) particles have been also detected, what could cause health concern due to its nanoparticle toxic character, mainly during gold extraction process.

Acompañamiento familiar durante el tratamiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad mental / Family support received through psychiatric treatment by patients with a diagnosis of mental illness

Este artículo de revisión bibliográfica forma parte de la investigación Aspectos psicológicos y familiares generados en pacientes hospitalizados y sus familias a partir de intervenciones grupales realizadas en una clínica psiquiátrica de la ciudad de Medellín (2012). Tiene como objetivo dar a conocer un rastreo bibliográfico detallado, de acuerdo con varios autores, se profundiza en el acompañamiento familiar que reciben los pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad mental durante el tratamiento psiquiátrico. Como metodología de revisión se consultó en bases de datos como Scielo, Google académico, Ebsco Host y la revista electrónica Agorarelacional.com. En el recorrido, se encontraron investigaciones que dan cuenta del acompañamiento familiar y su importancia en el tratamiento psiquiátrico de pacientes hospitalizados en clínicas psiquiatritas en comparación con familias que desertan de los tratamientos o que brindan poco acompañamiento. Para concluir, se encontró que es preciso incluir a las familias y darles un lugar preponderante dentro de las actividades que se realicen en el hospital psiquiátrico para permitir un espacio de escucha mutua y para minimizar las angustias referidas al tratamiento del paciente.

This article of bibliographical revision is a product of the research psychological and family aspects generated in hospitalized patients and their families, wearing group interventions, realized in a psychiatric clinic. It aims to provide a bibliographic tracking of different authors. It emphasizes, as main topic, in family support received through psychiatric treatment by patients with a diagnosis of mental illness. The methodology used was the consultation of databases like Scielo, Google academics, Ebsco Host and, specialized digital magazines, like Agorarelacional.com. Throughout the research, several investigations show the importance of family support for patients during treatment in psychiatric clinics, showing the differences with families that provide little or non-support. In conclusion. It was found that it is important to include families and give them a significant part in the activities carried out in the psychiatric hospital, as this allows mutual listening space and minimize the anxieties concerning the treatment of the patient.

Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de comportamientos para madres y padres con niños pequeños / Psychometric properties of a behavioral scale for parents with young children

El objetivo general de este trabajo fue el de identificar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de comportamientos para madres y padres con niños pequeños (ECMP). Este instrumento fue diseñado para medir las expectativas y las prácticas disciplinarias y de crianza de padres de familia. Debido al reciente desarrollo de la ECMP, se diseñaron cuatro estudios para conocer su validez convergente, su confiabilidad de medidas repetidas, la posible influencia de respuestas socialmente aceptables, y la comparación entre diferentes versiones. Todas las muestras elegidas consistieron en padres de familia con un niño(a) de uno a cinco años de edad. En todos los estudios se administraron una forma demográfica y la ECMP; en el estudio de confíabilidad se administró la ECMP en dos ocasiones separadas por 15 días; en el de validez convergente se aplicó también el inventario de paternidad para adultos y adolescentes (IPAA); en el de deseabilidad social se agregó una medida breve de este constructo; y, en el de diferentes versiones, se administró una versión breve de la ECMP. Los resultados indican que la ECMP muestra propiedades psicométricas adecuadas y estos resultados se discuten en función de sus posibles aplicaciones